Bonesteel South DakotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bonesteel, South Dakota.
1. Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND FISHING
Platte Creek Lodge & Guide Service offers excellent fishing and hunting experiences for outdoor enthusiasts in Bonesteel. The lodge provides guided excursions and accommodations for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Guests can expect knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the best fishing spots and hunting grounds in the region.
2. R.F. Goeke Variety Store
HISTORIC LOCAL SHOPPING
R.F. Goeke Variety Store is a charming local establishment that has been serving the Bonesteel community for generations. The store offers a variety of goods and products that cater to both locals and visitors. Its historic character adds to the small-town appeal of Bonesteel.
3. Nebraska Elk Velvet
UNIQUE LOCAL PRODUCT
Nebraska Elk Velvet is a distinctive local business showcasing regional specialty products. Visitors can learn about elk velvet harvesting and its various uses while supporting a local enterprise. The establishment provides a glimpse into one of the unique agricultural ventures of the region.
4. Niobrara State Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Niobrara State Park is a beautiful recreational area located near the South Dakota border offering stunning views of the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and horseback riding while taking in the scenic river landscapes.
5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial
AMERICA'S SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY
Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the iconic 60-foot faces of four great American presidents carved into the Black Hills granite. The memorial represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States through the likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln. Visitors can explore the Avenue of Flags, Presidential Trail, and the sculptor's studio while learning about the history and creation of this monumental work.
6. Jewel Cave National Monument
UNDERGROUND WONDER WORLD
Jewel Cave National Monument is the third-longest cave system in the world with over 200 miles of mapped passages. The cave features a variety of tours below the surface where visitors can witness spectacular calcite formations, including the cave's namesake jewel-like crystals. Above ground, the monument includes a 1,279-acre park with nature trails for hiking and wildlife observation.
7. Custer State Park
WILD BISON AND LANDSCAPES
Custer State Park is one of the few truly wild places remaining in the country, spanning 71,000 acres of diverse terrain. Nearly 1,300 bison roam freely throughout the park, sharing the landscape with pronghorn antelope, elk, mountain goats, and a band of burros. Visitors can experience the park's wildlife up close on the Wildlife Loop Road or enjoy recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and swimming.
8. Historic Deadwood
OLD WEST LEGENDS
Historic Deadwood is an 1870s gold rush town that became a National Historic Landmark in 1961, preserving the legacy of Old West legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Today, the town offers Black Hills entertainment including concerts, casinos, museums, historic sites, and spas. Visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of the Old West while enjoying modern amenities and attractions.
9. Missouri River Recreation
MIGHTY MO WATER ACTIVITIES
The Missouri River offers history and adventure along its mighty waters, with both free-flowing sections and four major reservoirs. Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis & Clark Lake provide prime opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the river while enjoying outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
10. Wind Cave National Park
UNIQUE BOXWORK FORMATIONS
Wind Cave National Park was the first cave to be designated a national park and features the world's largest concentration of rare boxwork formations. The park encompasses 33,851 acres of forest and prairie on the surface, creating a sanctuary for wildlife including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Visitors can explore the unique underground world through various cave tours and enjoy hiking on the surface trails.
11. Crazy Horse Memorial
MONUMENTAL MOUNTAIN CARVING
Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing mountain sculpture project that began in 1948 and will become the largest mountain carving in the world when completed. This tribute to the Lakota leader offers visitors a glimpse into Native American history and culture through the on-site Indian Museum of North America. The Native American Educational & Cultural Center provides additional opportunities to learn about indigenous peoples and their traditions.
12. The Mammoth Site
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL DISCOVERY
The Mammoth Site is an active paleontological dig site where visitors can observe real mammoth fossils in their original position. The site offers educational programs including family dig experiences in a mock bone bed environment and summer dig camps for children. This attraction serves as a gateway to science education, inspiring young learners and capturing their natural curiosity about prehistoric animals.
13. Mount Moriah Cemetery
OLD WEST BURIAL GROUND
Mount Moriah Cemetery is the final resting place of Wild West legends including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. By viewing the tombstones and grave markers, visitors can get a real sense of the history and hardship of frontier life in the Black Hills. The cemetery offers panoramic views of Deadwood and the surrounding mountains, adding to its solemn beauty.
14. Bonesteel Fishing Spots
LOCAL ANGLER PARADISE
Bonesteel Fishing Spots offer excellent opportunities for anglers to enjoy fishing in the scenic waters around the town. The area is known for its access to various fishing locations along nearby waterways, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor recreation. Local fishing guides can provide insight into the best locations and techniques for catching various fish species.
15. Bonesteel Historical Landmarks
TOWN'S RICH HERITAGE
Bonesteel Historical Landmarks showcase the city's rich history with several points of interest dating back to the early 1900s. Visitors can explore these historical sites to learn about the development and growth of this small South Dakota community. The landmarks provide insight into the cultural heritage and historical significance of Bonesteel in the region.